William Fleetwood Lodge installation

William Fleetwood Lodge No 2814 recently installed Leslie David Neville as their master for the second consecutive year. Leslie had agreed to serve a second term after the sad loss of the much loved and respected master elect Don Kelso.

Tony (left) congratulates Leslie.

The ceremony was conducted by Paul Ashton in superb style watched over by Tony Bent Assistant Provincial Grand Master who had honoured the lodge by his presence and was attended by several grand officers, including the group chairman Colin Rowling. Group vice chairman Graham Williams was also present as were two acting officers of the Province, namely John Whalley and Peter Ridehalgh.

Tony Bent was fulsome in his praise for the quality of the ceremony, particularly noting that he was much impressed by the obvious pleasure the members derived from their Freemasonry and their commitment to their lodge, during his response at the festive board, where he began with a very funny joke involving a pharmacist and a would-be murderer! He particularly complimented Paul Ashton for the manner in which he installed his new master. Tony also directed some well-deserved praise toward Jim Thomason the director of ceremonies for his excellent work on the floor of the lodge.

Tony was keen to mention the 2017 Tercentenary as well as the new MCF 2021 Festival on which the Province is embarking. This is in support of the new Masonic Charitable Foundation which was formed by the amalgamation of the previous four Grand Charities. He pointed out that in 2015 total giving to non-Masonic causes was over £14,000,000. He told the brethren that they should be proud of the achievements of the group towards that total, and that we should always be keen to promote Freemasonry to anyone who shows an interest.

Finally, Tony thanked the lodge members for their warm welcome and generosity.